Job Description

Mechanical Engineers research, develop, design, manufacture and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanical devices. They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, robots, and industrial production equipment.

Necessary Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Helpful High School Courses

Advanced Mathematics, Auto-CAD, Computer Applications, Sciences

Working Conditions

• Usually work a 40-hour week
• Most work in comfortable offices
• Almost 3 out of 5 jobs are in manufacturing industries – production, maintenance and technical

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $76,410
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $36.74

Career Ladder Information

• Advance college degrees lead to higher salaries and promotions
• Willingness to accept administrative positions may lead to advancement
• Engineers who enter sales often earn higher salaries

Personal Qualities and Interests

You:

• Like mathematics
• Are creative and inquisitive
• Like team work and supervising others
• Have an interest in what makes things work
• Like to design new things
• Are detailed oriented

Did you know?

Mechanical engineering is the broadest engineering discipline, extending across many interdependent specialties.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco

  
  

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